Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars Under $500 2025

Affordable dreadnought acoustic guitars under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Country For Folk For Bluegrass For Rock For Singer-Songwriter For Campfire Sessions

BRANDS: Martin Guitar Harley Benton Gibson Furch Yamaha Fender Ibanez Guild Takamine Epiphone Taylor Lakewood DAngelico Maton Cole Clark Applause Seagull Framus Cort Baton Rouge

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN W/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN W/Case

by Harley Benton

Rock Folk Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN W/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN*Acoustic...

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 540429

$438

Buy at Thomann View Details

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadnought Spruce - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadnought Spruce

by Breedlove

Country Campfire Sessions Folk

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• Large body may be uncomfortable
• May lack upper-mid clarity

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadnought SpruceAcoustic GuitarStyle: DreadnoughtTop: Solid European spruceCascade bracingBack...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 618728

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone J-45 EC Studio NA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone J-45 EC Studio NA

by Epiphone

Singer-Songwriter Campfire Sessions Country

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Large body may be uncomfortable
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Epiphone AJ220SCE NASteel-String Guitar with PickupDesign: Advanced jumbo with cutawayTop: Solid sitka spruceBody:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 263336

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Case

by Harley Benton

Singer-Songwriter Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN*Acoustic...

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 550407

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood

by Harley Benton

Campfire Sessions Singer-Songwriter Folk

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• May lack upper-mid clarity

Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWoodAcoustic Guitar with PickupDesign: Dreadnought with cutawayDovetail...

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 348637

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez ALT30FM-RDB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez ALT30FM-RDB

by Ibanez

Campfire Sessions Folk Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• Large body may be uncomfortable
• May lack upper-mid clarity

Ibanez ALT30FM-RDBAcoustic Guitar with PickupAltstar SeriesStyle: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: flamed mapleBack and...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 557299

$455

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN

by Harley Benton

Bluegrass Folk Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• May lack upper-mid clarity
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WNAcoustic Guitar with PickupDreadnought designDovetail constructionSolid sitka...

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 414099

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

DAngelico Excel Bowery Vintage Sunset - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

DAngelico Excel Bowery Vintage Sunset

by DAngelico

Rock Country Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Large body may be uncomfortable

DAngelico Excel Bowery Vintage SunsetAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: Solid Sitka...

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 545717

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton CLD-15MCE SolidWood - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton CLD-15MCE SolidWood

by Harley Benton

Campfire Sessions Folk Country

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• May lack upper-mid clarity
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Harley Benton CLD-15MCE SolidWoodAcoustic Guitar with PickupCustom Line Solid Wood SeriesStyle: Dreadnought with...

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 505986

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

DAngelico Excel Lexington Vintage Natura - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

DAngelico Excel Lexington Vintage Natura

by DAngelico

Rock Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Requires good playing technique

DAngelico Excel Lexington Vintage NaturaAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: DreadnoughtTop: solid Sitka spruceBack and...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 545519

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender CD-140SCE All Mah - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Fender CD-140SCE All Mah

by Fender

Country Bluegrass Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Fender CD-140SCE All MahSteel String Guitar with PickupBuild: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: Solid mahogany (Swietenia...

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 404786

$380

Buy at Thomann View Details

Guild D-240E Westerly Archback - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Guild D-240E Westerly Archback

by Guild

Campfire Sessions Country Folk

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Large body may be uncomfortable
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Guild D-240E Westerly ArchbackSteel String Guitar with PickupBuild: DreadnoughtTop: SprucesolidBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 378810

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Guild A-20 Bob Marley - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.4/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Guild A-20 Bob Marley

by Guild

Campfire Sessions Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Guild A-20 Bob MarleySteel-String GuitarBob Marley modelDesign: DreadnoughtTop: solid spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 527076

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton CLD-15MCE SolidWood w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton CLD-15MCE SolidWood w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Folk Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Harley Benton CLD-15MCE SolidWood w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton CLD-15MCE SolidWood*Acoustic Guitar...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 545364

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Baton Rouge X15S/D-B - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Baton Rouge X15S/D-B

by Baton Rouge

Campfire Sessions Folk Country

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Baton Rouge X15S/D-BAcoustic GuitarStyle: DreadnoughtTop: solid spruceBack and sides: MahoganyNeck: OkoumeFingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 586723

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced dreadnought acoustic guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars Under $500 2025

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN W/Case

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadnought Spruce

Epiphone J-45 EC Studio NA

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Case

Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood

Ibanez ALT30FM-RDB

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN

DAngelico Excel Bowery Vintage Sunset

Harley Benton CLD-15MCE SolidWood

DAngelico Excel Lexington Vintage Natura

Fender CD-140SCE All Mah

Guild D-240E Westerly Archback

Guild A-20 Bob Marley

Harley Benton CLD-15MCE SolidWood w/Bag

Baton Rouge X15S/D-B

How to Choose the Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying dreadnought acoustic guitars?

How much should I spend on dreadnought acoustic guitars?

Are expensive dreadnought acoustic guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for dreadnought acoustic guitars?

Should I buy dreadnought acoustic guitars online or in-store?

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